1997 HONDA NSX

KEY FACTS

• A fantastic example of the game-changing Japanese supercar; presented in superb, highly original condition and finished in a rare factory colour.
• Under the engine lid is the naturally aspirated 3.0-litre ‘C30A’ V6, which sends 270bhp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.
• An original UK-market right-hand drive example, this NSX-T is believed to be one of only 12 examples delivered with Midnight Pearl paintwork.
• It was first registered in April 1997, and has been enjoyed by the seller for a little over six years.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This NSX is finished in the appealing purple-tinged hue of Midnight Pearl over a handsome tan leather-trimmed interior.
• As an NSX-T model, it features a removable targa roof panel, and is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control and electrically adjustable seats, as well as the original radio/cassette player and boot-mounted CD changer.
• The car rides on the correct set of 16-inch front and 17-inch rear, seven-spoke alloy wheels, which were refurbished in 2017 and remain in superb, unmarked condition.
• Its only modification is a performance exhaust system, which helps the rev-happy V6 to breathe more freely, while also enhancing its already wonderful soundtrack.
• Accompanying this NSX is its stamped service book, a substantial history file of documents detailing maintenance throughout its life, various old tax discs and all of its MOT test certificates from new. An original brochure and price list are also included.
• The appropriate cherished registration ‘ACU 12A’ is also included in the sale.

CONDITION

• There is no evidence of any prior accident damage, and the seller notes that all of the body’s seams and welds appear to be original and untouched.
• The front end – comprising bumper, bonnet, and wings – was resprayed in 2020 to rectify some general stone chips, but the Midnight Pearl paintwork is otherwise thought to be original and is in excellent overall condition. There is a deep and glossy appearance around the whole car and only a few minor blemishes, including a small area of lacquer peel on the rear bumper and a couple of stone chips on the roof panel.
• Inside, the seats are trimmed in their original tan leather upholstery and present very well given their age and mileage, with some general use-related wear but no rips, tears or other damage.
• Elsewhere, the interior trim items and switchgear are in great shape, as are the black leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults with the car, and the vendor notes that even the air conditioning system and the original stereo work as they should.
• Its last MOT test was conducted on 5 October 2020 at 92,529 miles, which resulted in a clean first-time pass, and the seller will have another test carried out before the car is handed over to its next owner.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This NSX is having a major service and cam belt change during the auction at an official Honda dealer, ready for handover to the next owner.
• Its last recorded routine maintenance was carried out in April 2020 at 92,123 miles, when the engine oil and oil filter were changed.
• Prior to this, a minor service was performed in January 2018 at 90,709 miles by Monkfish Performance, who also carried out a major service and cam belt change in February 2016 at 87,680 miles.
• Over the course of the seller’s ownership, a significant sum has been invested in preventative maintenance and refurbishment, including new brakes, a new air-conditioning pump, water pump, radiator, oil cooler, clutch and clutch hydraulics; plus replacement CV joint boots, a track rod, Bilstein shock absorbers, new tyres and wheel alignment, and numerous other small jobs.

SUMMARY

This Honda NSX-T is an iconic Japanese supercar, which took the motoring world by storm with its sleek styling, impressive performance and notable reliability. Thought to be one of only 12 examples delivered to the UK in the handsome hue of Midnight Pearl and equipped with the sought-after manual gearbox, this highly original and well-cared-for modern classic would make a superb addition to any collection.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing. Bidders should note that a prior registration of this car was once assigned to an Austin Montego that was damaged, and this may appear as a marker on HPI. However, the NSX itself is fully HPI clear.